Package for containers

ABSTRACT

A package for holding a plurality of containers. The package has a top panel, end panels and side panels. The package has retention features for retaining the containers. The package has gussets for positioning the end panels and side panels around the containers.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/988,291, which was filed on Nov. 15, 2007. The entire contents of theabove-referenced provisional application is hereby incorporated byreference for all purposes as if presented herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to packages or cartons forholding and carrying containers.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In general, one aspect of the disclosure is generally directed to apackage for holding a plurality of containers. The package has a toppanel and a side panel. The package has retention features for retainingthe containers and gusset features for facilitating forming of thepackage.

In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a package forcontaining a plurality of articles. The package comprises panels thatextend at least partially around an interior of the package. The panelscomprise a top panel, a side panel foldably connected to the top panel,and an end panel foldably connected to the top panel. At least oneopening in the top panel is for at least partially receiving at least aportion of one of the articles. A first gusset panel is foldablyconnected to the side panel, and a second gusset panel is foldablyconnected to the first gusset panel and the end panel.

In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a blank forforming a package for containing a plurality of articles. The blankcomprises panels that comprise a top panel, a side panel foldablyconnected to the top panel, and an end panel foldably connected to thetop panel. At least one receptacle is in the top panel. A first gussetpanel is foldably connected to the side panel, and a second gusset panelis foldably connected to the first gusset panel and the end panel.

In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a method offorming a package. The method comprises providing a blank comprising atop panel, a side panel foldably connected to the top panel, an endpanel foldably connected to the top panel, a plurality of receptacles inthe top panel, a first gusset panel foldably connected to the sidepanel, and a second gusset panel foldably connected to the first gussetpanel and the end panel. The method further comprising positioning aplurality of articles relative to the blank and positioning the blankrelative to the articles so that the plurality of articles are at leastpartially received in respective receptacles of the plurality ofreceptacles. The method further comprises downwardly folding the endpanel relative to the top panel to at least partially enclose thearticles in an interior space of the package and downwardly folding theside panel relative to the top panel to at least partially enclose thearticles in the interior space of the package.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above-stated advantages andother advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments readingthe following detailed description of the embodiments with reference tothe below-listed drawing figures.

According to common practice, the various features of the drawingsdiscussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions ofvarious features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reducedto more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exterior side of a blank used to form apackage according to a first embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the blank of FIG. 1 partially erected into thepackage.

FIG. 3 is a view of the blank of FIG. 1 further partially erected.

FIG. 4 is a view of the blank of FIG. 1 further partially erected.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are views of the blank of FIG. 1 showing alternative stepsfor erecting the package of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a side perspective of the package formed from the blank ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of an exterior side of a blank used to form apackage according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of an exterior side of a blank used to form apackage according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a view of the blank of FIG. 9 partially erected into thepackage of the third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a side perspective of the package according to the thirdembodiment.

FIG. 12 is a view of the blank of FIG. 9 showing alternative steps forerecting the package of the third embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of an exterior side of a blank used to form apackage according to a fourth embodiment.

Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbersthroughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure generally relates to constructs, sleeves,cartons, or the like, and packages for holding and displaying containerssuch as jars, bottles, cans, etc. The containers can be used forpackaging food and beverage products, for example. The containers can bemade from materials suitable in composition for packaging the particularfood or beverage item, and the materials include, but are not limitedto, plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, andNylon; and the like; aluminum and/or other metals; glass; or anycombination thereof.

Packages according to the present disclosure can accommodate containersof numerous different shapes. For the purpose of illustration and notfor the purpose of limiting the scope of the disclosure, the followingdetailed description describes beverage containers (e.g., plasticcontainers) at least partially disposed within the package embodiments.In this specification, the terms “lower,” “bottom,” “upper” and “top”indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected packages.

The present embodiments are addressed to cartons or packages forattachment to and accommodation of containers. A package or carrier 150is illustrated in its erected state in FIG. 7, in which it is attachedto containers C arranged in two rows of three containers. In theillustrated embodiments the containers C are illustrated as beveragecontainers having a top portion generally comprising a flange portion Fand an upper neck portion N, and a cap CP, but containers of othersizes, shapes, and configurations may be held in the package 150 withoutdeparting from the disclosure. The upper neck portion N of thecontainers are receive in respective openings 18 (e.g., receptacle)(FIG. 2) in the package and retained in the package by retainingfeatures described further herein. The containers could be arranged inother than a 2×3 arrangement (e.g., 2×4, 1×3, 1×4, etc.) withoutdeparting from the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exterior side 3 of a blank 8 used to formthe package or carrier 150. The blank 8 has a longitudinal axis L1 and alateral axis L2. The blank 8 comprises a top panel 10 foldably connectedto a first end panel 20 at a first lateral fold line 21 and foldablyconnected to a second end panel 30 at a second lateral fold line 31. Afirst side panel 40 is foldably connected to the top panel 10 at a firstlongitudinal fold line 41. A second side panel 50 is foldably connectedto the top panel 10 at a second longitudinal fold line 51.

In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 8 includes six receptacles 12formed by tabs 22 and 24, which are connected to the top panel 10 byrespective fold lines 37, 39. Slits 62 and 63 separate the tabs 22, 24and arcuate slits 64 separate the tab fold lines 37, 39. The arcuateslits 64 and tab fold lines 37, 39 extend around and define a peripheryof each of the openings 18 in the top panel 10. In the illustratedembodiment, the tabs 22, 24 surrounding each opening 18 (FIG. 2) are ofdifferent sizes so that when containers C are inserted into the openings18 and the tabs 22, 24 are upwardly struck from the top panel 10, theshorter tabs 22 contact only the necks N of the containers and thelonger tabs 24 contact both the necks and the underside of the flanges Fto support the containers when the carrier is lifted. A variety ofdifferent configurations of tabs (e.g., tabs 22, 24) are within thescope of this disclosure.

The diameter of the openings 18 (FIG. 2) in the top panel 10 is relatedto the diameter of the neck portion N of the containers C to be packagedso that the containers are able to pass through the opening whilecontacting the support tabs 22, 24 of the receptacles 12 to pivot thesupport tabs up about their fold lines. In the illustrated embodiment,the support tabs 22, 24 at the corner openings 18 are of somewhatdifferent design than the support tabs 22 and 24 at the centralopenings. In both cases the support tabs 22, 24 take the form of fourcontiguous tabs arranged so that the fold lines 37, 39 of adjacent tabsare at right angles to each other. In both cases, one pair of oppositelylocated tabs 24 is longer than the other pair 22. In the illustratedembodiment, the tabs 22, 24, slits 62, 63, 64, and fold lines 37, 39 ofthe receptacle 12 at each of the two corners of the top panel 10adjacent the second end panel 30 are respectively rotated clockwise andcounterclockwise approximately 45 degrees from the orientation of thetabs, slits, and fold lines of the two central receptacles. The tabs 22,24, slits 62, 63, 64, and fold lines 37, 39 of the receptacle 12 at eachcorner of the top panel 10 adjacent the first end panel 20 arerespectively rotated counterclockwise and clockwise approximately 45degrees from the orientation of the tabs, slits, and fold lines of thefour central openings. The receptacles 12 in the top panel 10 can haveother features including other tabs, slits, fold lines, tear lines,etc., and may be otherwise arranged and/or configured, without departingfrom the disclosure.

The blank 8 includes corner cutouts 32 generally adjacent a respectivecorner of the top panel 10. Fold line 42 in the side panel 40 and foldline 52 in side panel 50 extend between respective cutouts 32 in eachside panel to form sloped side panel sections which generally conform tothe slope of the bottles in the transition area between the bottle neckand the barrel of the bottle. The corner cutouts 32 could be otherwiseshaped, arranged, and/or configured, or could be omitted withoutdeparting from the disclosure.

The blank 8 is preferably formed of paperboard, but may be of anysuitable material having sufficient strength and flexibility to functionin the manner of paperboard. The side panels 40, 50 are longer than thelength of the top panel 10, terminating beyond the cutouts 32. First andsecond gusset panels 45, 47 are located at each corner of the blank 8between respective side panels 40, 50 and end panels 20, 30. In theillustrated embodiment, the end panels 20, 30 comprise a corner portion49 foldably connected to the second gusset panels 47 and connected tothe end panels. The gusset panels 45, 47 and corner portions 49 of theend panels 20, 30 are foldably connected by respective fold lines 53,55, 57, 59. The gusset panels 45, 47 and corner panels 49 facilitateforming of the package 150 in a manner so that the package conforms tothe shape of the containers C.

At each corner of the blank 8, the first gusset panel 45 is foldablyconnected to one of the side panels 40, 50 at the fold line 53, and thesecond gusset panel 47 is foldably connected to the first gusset panelat a fold line 55. The second gusset panel is foldably connected to thecorner portion 49 of the end panels 20, 30 at the fold line 57. Thecorner portion 49 is foldably connected to a respective end panel 20, 30at the fold line 59. The first and second gusset panels 45, 47 andcorner portion 49 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configuredwithout departing from the disclosure. For example, in one embodiment,the corner portions 49 of each end panel 20, 30 could be omitted withoutdeparting from the disclosure.

The blank 8 includes two handle panels 84 foldably connected to the toppanel 10 by lateral fold lines 86. In the illustrated embodiment, thehandle panels 84 are further defined by curved cuts 87, 89, 91 in thetop panel. The blank 8 could include handle features other than thehandle panels 84 or the handle panels could be otherwise shaped,arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

As shown in FIGS. 2-7, to form the package 150, in accordance with oneacceptable method, bottles C to be packaged are grouped together and thetop panel 10 is first pushed down over the tops of the bottles C. Thecaps CP of the bottles C contact the support tabs 22, 24 to pivot thesupport tabs up relative to the top panel 10 to create the openings 18in the top panel. Relative upward movement of the containers C continuesuntil the support tabs 24 snap into place as the edges of these tabsengage the underside of the bottle flanges F (FIG. 3). In oneembodiment, the shorter tabs 22 do not reach the flanges F but snuglyengage the bottle necks.

As shown in FIG. 3, the end panels 20, 30 are downwardly folded relativeto the top panel 10 in the direction of arrow A1. Next, the secondgusset panels 47 are folded inwardly in the direction of arrow A2 (FIG.4) so as to cause an adjacent first gusset 45 and side panel 40, 50 tofold downwardly to the position of FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, thesecond gusset panel 47 and first gusset panel 45 are brought intoface-to-face relationship such that the second gusset panel 47 is incontact with and overlapped by the first gusset panel 45. Further, aportion of a respective side panel 40, 50 is in face-to-facerelationship with the first gusset panel 45 so that the portion of therespective side panel overlays and is in contact with the first gussetpanel. In one embodiment, the corner portion 49 of the end panels 20, 30helps facilitate inward folding of the second gusset panel 47 andconforms the package 150 to a tight fit against the corner containers C.Adhesive such as glue may be applied to the second gusset panel 47 orthe first gusset panel 45 to secure the side panels 40, 50 in thedownwardly folded position. Also, adhesive (e.g., glue) can be appliedto the first gusset panel 45 or a portion of a respective side panel 40,50 that overlays the first gusset panel to secure the side panels in thedownwardly folded position.

The package 150 can be formed by other folding and panel positioningsteps. For example, FIGS. 5 and 6 show an alternative configuration forforming the blank 8 into the package 150. As shown in FIG. 5, the sidepanels 40, 50 can be folded downward at fold lines 41, 51 relative tothe top panel 10 in the direction of arrow A3 prior to the downwardfolding of the end panels 20, 30. As shown in FIG. 6, the first gussetpanel 45 can be folded inwardly in the direction of arrow A4 to assistin downwardly folding the second gusset panel 47 and the end panels 20,30. Glue or other adhesive can be applied to either or both of thegusset panels 45, 47 prior to downwardly folding the end panels 20, 30.When the end panels 20, 30 are downwardly folded, the gusset panels 45,47 are in face-to-face contact with the second gusset panel 47overlaying the first gusset panel 45. In the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and6, the corner portions 49 of the end panels 20, 30 is in face-to-facerelationship with the second gusset panel 47. Adhesive can be applied toone or more than one of the end panels 20,30, the first gusset panels45, the second gusset panels 47, or the side panels 40, 50 to secure thepackage 150 in the formed position.

In either forming configuration, the package 150 can be maintained inthe assembled configuration by the adhesive between the overlapped andadhered gusset panels 45, 47 or other panels. Other folding, assembly,or forming steps and configurations are within the scope of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 8 shows a blank 208 of a second embodiment of the disclosure havingsimilar features as the first embodiment. Accordingly, similar oridentical features of the embodiments are provided with like or similarreference numbers. The blank 208 of the second embodiment includes asmaller opening 32 at each corner and the gusset panels 45, 47 have adifferent shape than the gusset panels of the first embodiment. Further,the side panels 40, 50 include additional longitudinal fold lines 42 a,52 a extending between respective openings 32. Each side panel 40, 50has an additional foldable panel for positioning relative to the toppanel 10. The blank 208 can be formed into a package in a similar mannerdescribed above for forming the blank 8 into the package 150.

FIG. 9 shows a blank 308 for forming a package 350 of a third embodimentof the disclosure. The blank 308 has similar features as the previousembodiments. Accordingly, similar or identical features of theembodiments are provided with like or similar reference numbers. Theblank 308 of the third embodiment has first and second gusset panels 45,47 that function in a similar manner as the first and second gussetpanels of the previous embodiments. In the third embodiment, each of thesecond gusset panels 47 has a base portion 47 a adjacent the opening 32and an extension 47 b that includes a distal portion of the gusset panelextending from the base portion. The extension 47 b of each of thesecond gusset panels 47 extends laterally outward beyond an edge 45 a ofthe first gusset panel 45. The base portion 47 a of the second gussetpanel 47 is foldably connected to the corner portion 49 of the end panel20, 30 at the fold line 57 and is foldably connected to the gusset panel45 at the fold line 53. The extensions 47 b allow a larger target areafor the application of adhesive to the package 350. Further, each of thefirst gusset panels 45 of the third embodiment are smaller that theprevious embodiments so that the extension 47 b can extend outward fromthe edge 45 a of the first gusset panel and underlie at least a portionof the side panels 40, 50 when the package 350 is assembled.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 9-12, the package 350 can be assembled in asimilar manner as the first embodiment by first downwardly folding theend flaps 20, 30 in the direction of arrow A5 (FIG. 10). As shown inFIG. 12, the second gusset panels 47 are inwardly folded in thedirection of arrow A6 to lower the first gusset panels 45 and the sidepanels 40, 50. As the side panels 40, 50 are further lowered in thedirection of arrow A7, the first gusset panels 45 are brought intoface-to-face contact with the base portion 47 a of the gusset panel 47.The extensions 47 b extend beyond the edge 45 a of the first gussetpanels 45. As the side panels 40, 50 are further downwardly folded, theside panels overlap and are in a generally face-to-face relationshipwith the first gusset panels 45 that overlap the base portions 47 a ofthe gusset panels 47 and the extensions 47 b of the gusset panels 47.Adhesive can be applied to the extensions 47 b (or the side panels 40,50) so that at least a portion of the side panels 40, 50 is adhered toat least a portion of the extensions 47 b of the second gusset panels47. Further, the base portions 47 a of the second gusset panels 47 canbe adhered to the first gusset panels 45. Other folding and assemblysteps and configurations are within the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 13 shows a blank 408 of a fourth embodiment of the disclosurehaving similar features as the blank 308 of the third embodiment.Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments areprovided with like or similar reference numbers. The blank 408 of thefourth embodiment includes first gusset panels 45 that each have anoblique fold line 55 a that is parallel to and spaced-apart from thefold line 55 connecting each of the first gusset panels to a respectivesecond gusset panel 47. The additional fold line 55 a of the fourthembodiment allows the gusset panels 45, 47 and to more closely conformto a variety of containers C having different sizes. In the fourthembodiment, the fold line 53 connecting each of the first gusset panels45 to a respective side panel 40, 50 slopes upward or downward(depending on the frame of reference) relative to the lateral axis L2 asthe fold line extends from the edge 45 a of the first gusset panel tothe opening 32. As shown in FIG. 13, the first gusset panels 45 and thesecond gusset panels 47 are larger than the corresponding gusset panelsof the previous embodiments to provide larger surface areas for securingthe gusset panels in the assembled configuration. The gusset panels 45,47 could be otherwise shaped and could include other features withoutdeparting from the disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 13, each end panel 20, 30 includes a respective lateralfold line 23, 33 so that each end panel is divided into two portions 20a, 20 b, and 30 a, 30 b that are independently foldably connected at arespective lateral fold line. Each outer portion 20 a, 30 a of endpanels 20, 30 has a respective curved edge 30 c, 20 c. Each end panel20, 30 comprises a respective handle panel 121, 123 foldably connectedto a respective end panel at a curved fold line 125, 127.

In the embodiment of FIG. 13, the blank 408 includes handle features 184in the top panel. The handle features comprising respective handlepanels 185, 187 that are foldably connected to the top panel 10 atrespective fold lines 189, 191. When the package is formed from theblank 408 the package can be grasped at the end panels 20, 30 by foldingunder the handle panel 121, 123 and can be grasped at the top panel byfolding in the handle panels 185, 187. For example, a user can placetheir thumb against either group of handle panels 185, 184 and can placetheir other four fingers of the same hand on one of the handle panels121, 123 to fold the handle panel in for grasping the package at the endpanel 20, 30. In this manner, the package formed from the blank 408 canbe grasped and carried by a user. Alternatively, only the handlefeatures 184 can be used to grasp the package formed from the blank 408or only the handle panels 121, 123 in the end panels 20, 30 can be usedto grasp the package formed from the blank. The blank 408 and packageformed from the blank can have other handle features or the handlefeatures shown can be omitted without departing from the disclosure.

In the embodiment of FIG. 13, the blank 408 has dispensing features forremoval of the containers C from the package formed from the blank. Eachside panel 40, 50 has two tabs 191, 193 formed by a respective tear line195, 197 in the side panel between a respective longitudinal fold line41, 51 connecting the side panel to the top panel 10 and a longitudinalfold line 42, 52 forming the sloped side panel sections. The top panel10 includes oblique cuts 199 adjacent a respective tabs 191, 193 thatfacilitate tearing of the top panel when the tabs 191, 193 are activatedby separating the tabs from the side panels 40, 50. In the packageformed from the blank 408, a respective tab 191, 193 can be grasped andlifted upward to separate the tab from the side panel 40, 50. Therespective tab 191, 193 can be further positioned and pulled to initiatetearing or deformation of the top panel 10 at the cuts 199 to facilitateremoval of the containers C from a respective receptacle 12. The blank408 and package formed from the blank can have other dispensing featuresor the dispensing features illustrated and described herein can bechanged or omitted without departing from the disclosure. The blank 408can be formed into a package in a similar manner described above for theprevious embodiments.

The blanks according to the present disclosure can be, for example,formed from coated paperboard and similar materials. For example, theinterior and/or exterior sides of the blanks can be coated with a claycoating. The clay coating may then be printed over with product,advertising, price coding, and other information or images. The blanksmay then be coated with a varnish to protect any information printed onthe blank. The blanks may also be coated with, for example, a moisturebarrier layer, on either or both sides of the blank. In accordance withthe above-described embodiments, the blanks may be constructed ofpaperboard of a caliper such that it is heavier and more rigid thanordinary paper. The blanks can also be constructed of other materials,such as cardboard, hard paper, or any other material having propertiessuitable for enabling the carton to function at least generally asdescribed herein. The blanks can also be laminated or coated with one ormore sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.

In accordance with the above-described embodiments of the presentdisclosure, a fold line can be any substantially linear, although notnecessarily straight, form of weakening that facilitates foldingtherealong. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing thescope of the present disclosure, fold lines include: a score line, suchas lines formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates acrushed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; acut that extends partially into a material along the desired line ofweakness, and/or a series of cuts that extend partially into and/orcompletely through the material along the desired line of weakness; andvarious combinations of these features.

As an example, a tear line can include: a slit that extends partiallyinto the material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series ofspaced apart slits that extend partially into and/or completely throughthe material along the desired line of weakness, or various combinationsof these features. As a more specific example, one type tear line is inthe form of a series of spaced apart slits that extend completelythrough the material, with adjacent slits being spaced apart slightly sothat a nick (e.g., a small somewhat bridging-like piece of the material)is defined between the adjacent slits for typically temporarilyconnecting the material across the tear line. The nicks are brokenduring tearing along the tear line. The nicks typically are a relativelysmall percentage of the tear line, and alternatively the nicks can beomitted from or torn in a tear line such that the tear line is acontinuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the presentdisclosure for each of the tear lines to be replaced with a continuousslit, or the like. For example, a cut line can be a continuous slit orcould be wider than a slit without departing from the presentdisclosure.

The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panelsadhered together by glue during erection of the carton embodiments. Theterm “glue” is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonlyused to secure carton panels in place.

The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and describesvarious exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications,changes, etc. could be made to the exemplary embodiments withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the claims. It is intended thatall matter contained in the above description or shown in theaccompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes onlyselected embodiments of the disclosure, but the disclosure is capable ofuse in various other combinations, modifications, and environments andis capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventiveconcept as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings,and/or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore,certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may beselectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated andnon-illustrated embodiments of the disclosure.

1. A package for containing a plurality of articles, the packagecomprising: panels that extend at least partially around an interior ofthe package, the panels comprise a top panel, a side panel foldablyconnected to the top panel, and an end panel foldably connected to thetop panel; at least one opening in the top panel for at least partiallyreceiving at least a portion of one of the articles; a first gussetpanel foldably connected to the side panel; and a second gusset panelfoldably connected to the first gusset panel and the end panel.
 2. Thepackage of claim 1 wherein the first and second gusset panels are inface-to-face contact.
 3. The package of claim 2 wherein the first gussetpanel overlays the second gusset panel.
 4. The package of claim 3wherein at least a portion of the side panel overlays the first gussetpanel and is in face-to-face contact with at least a portion of thefirst gusset panel.
 5. The package of claim 4 wherein at least a portionof the side panel is in face-to-face contact with at least a portion ofthe second gusset panel.
 6. The package of claim 2 wherein the secondgusset panel overlays the first gusset panel.
 7. The package of claim 6wherein at least a portion of the end panel is in face-to-face contactwith the second gusset panel.
 8. The package of claim 1 wherein thesecond gusset panel comprises a base portion foldably connected to thefirst gusset panel and an extension comprising a distal end of thesecond gusset panel.
 9. The package of claim 8 wherein the extensionextends laterally beyond an edge of the first gusset panel and is freefrom connection to the first gusset panel, the extension being inface-to-face contact with the side panel.
 10. The package of claim 9wherein the base portion is in face-to-face contact with the firstgusset panel.
 11. The package of claim 9 wherein the first gusset panelis adhesively attached to both the first gusset panel and the sidepanel.
 12. The package of claim 1 in combination with the articles, thearticles comprising beverage containers having an upper portion and aflange, wherein the at least one opening comprises a plurality ofopenings, each of the openings comprises a periphery and the top panelcomprises a plurality of tabs foldably attached to the top panel at theperiphery of each of the openings.
 13. The package of claim 5 whereinthe plurality of tabs at each opening comprise two shorter tabs thatcontact the upper portion of one of the containers and two longer tabsthat contact an underside of the flange of the one of the containers toretain the containers in the package.
 14. A blank for forming a packagefor containing a plurality of articles, the blank comprising: panelsthat comprise a top panel, a side panel foldably connected to the toppanel, and an end panel foldably connected to the top panel; at leastone receptacle in the top panel; a first gusset panel foldably connectedto the side panel; and a second gusset panel foldably connected to thefirst gusset panel and the end panel.
 15. The blank of claim 14 whereinthe first and second gusset panels are for being in face-to-face contactwhen the package is formed from the blank.
 16. The package of claim 15wherein in the package formed from the blank, the first gusset paneloverlays the second gusset panel, at least a portion of the side paneloverlays the first gusset panel and is in face-to-face contact with atleast a portion of the first gusset panel, and at least a portion of theside panel is in face-to-face contact with at least a portion of thesecond gusset panel.
 17. The blank of claim 15 wherein in the packageformed from the blank the second gusset panel overlays the first gussetpanel and at least a portion of the end panel is in face-to-face contactwith the second gusset panel.
 18. The blank of claim 14 wherein thesecond gusset panel comprises a base portion foldably connected to thefirst gusset panel and an extension comprising a distal end of thesecond gusset panel.
 19. The blank of claim 18 wherein the extensionextends laterally beyond an edge of the first gusset panel and is freefrom connection to the first gusset panel.
 20. The blank of claim 19wherein in the package formed from the blank the extension is inface-to-face contact with the side panel and the base portion is inface-to-face contact with the first gusset panel.
 21. A method offorming a package, the method comprising: providing a blank comprising atop panel, a side panel foldably connected to the top panel, an endpanel foldably connected to the top panel, a plurality of receptacles inthe top panel, a first gusset panel foldably connected to the sidepanel, and a second gusset panel foldably connected to the first gussetpanel and the end panel; positioning a plurality of articles relative tothe blank; positioning the blank relative to the articles so that theplurality of articles are at least partially received in respectivereceptacles of the plurality of receptacles; downwardly folding the endpanel relative to the top panel to at least partially enclose thearticles in an interior space of the package; and downwardly folding theside panel relative to the top panel to at least partially enclose thearticles in the interior space of the package.
 22. The method of claim21 wherein the downwardly folding the side panel comprises inwardlyfolding the second gusset panel to position the first gusset panel inface-to-face relationship with the second gusset panel.
 23. The methodof claim 22 wherein the downwardly folding the side panel comprisespositioning at least a portion of the side panel in face-to-facerelationship with the first gusset panel.
 24. The method of claim 22wherein the second gusset panel comprises a base portion foldablyconnected to the first gusset panel and an extension extending beyond anedge of the first gusset panel, the downwardly folding the side panelcomprises positioning at least a portion of the side panel inface-to-face relationship with the extension.
 25. The method of claim 21wherein downwardly folding the end panel comprises inwardly folding thefirst gusset panel to position the second gusset panel in face-to-facerelationship with the first gusset panel.
 26. The method of claim 25wherein the downwardly folding the end panel comprises position at leasta portion of the end panel in face-to-face relationship with the secondgusset panel.
 27. The method of claim 21 further comprising applyingadhesive to at least one of the first gusset panel, the second gussetpanel, the end panel, and the side panel to secure the end panel and theside panel in the downwardly folded position.